⚙️ Understanding the Explorer’s Functionality
How are the source tax-deferred accounts chosen?
You do not have the ability to select source accounts.The Explorer makes an assumption that all tax-deferred accounts are eligible for conversion. If you have non-eligible tax-deferred accounts modeled in your plan, you may want to exclude the account(s) from the withdrawal strategy or set the rate of return lower than the others.
The Explorer selects tax-deferred accounts one at a time, ranked from highest to lowest rate of return — pulling from both the primary user's and spouse/partner's accounts in that order, regardless of whose account it is.
So if the primary user has an account at 7%, the spouse has one at 6.5%, and the primary user has another at 6%, the Explorer would pull in that sequence: 7% → 6.5% → 6%.
Verify by checking the detailed conversion list after running.
How are the destination Roth accounts chosen?
If you don't currently have a Roth account in your plan, the system will create one for you with the default rate of return of 8.08%. If you'd like greater control of the rate of return, you may want to create a placeholder Roth account prior to running the Explorer.
We recommend carefully reviewing the rate of return assumptions on your pre-tax and Roth accounts. Open each account's settings and confirm the assumed rate of return. Make sure the source (tax-deferred) and destination (Roth) accounts use the same return assumption — this avoids mixing return effects with tax effects in your results.
How are conversion taxes paid in the Explorer?
The Explorer’s tax payment questions are only relevant to the explorer's suggestions.
Once you apply the suggested conversions, the software will follow the funding order. You cannot directly control which specific account pays the taxes on Roth conversions in Boldin. You can, however, exclude accounts from the withdrawal order to protect tax-deferred funds.
Boldin's funding order: Income, then withdrawals according to your selected withdrawal order.
How do I see how taxes are paid?
To see the conversion tax impact, compare withdrawals between your baseline and the conversion scenario; the difference shows what's being used to pay conversion taxes.
Does the Explorer account for the opportunity cost of using after-tax funds to pay taxes?
Yes — the Explorer accounts for the opportunity cost of after-tax dollars used to pay taxes — those funds are removed from the compounding model.
I made a partial conversion this year — how do I enter it?
Enter it in the prior month and adjust account balances manually. The Explorer will factor in current-year conversions when you run it.
Does Boldin adjust account balances to reflect their true after-tax value?
No — all balances are shown at nominal value. A $1M traditional IRA and a $1M Roth appear equal, even though the traditional account carries an embedded tax liability that heirs will eventually pay.
⚠️ Explorer Limitations
Does the software apply early distribution penalties?
No. The Explorer does not automatically apply early distribution penalties. Factor these in manually if applicable.
Does the tool account for the 5-year rule?
No. The Explorer does not model the 5-year rule. Consult a tax or financial professional for guidance.
Does the software adjust for ACA / Premium Tax Credits?
No. You can model the impact by adding the estimated loss of tax credits as an expense in your plan.
Note: Because the Explorer does not apply penalties or model the 5-year rule, results may appear more favorable than your actual tax situation for early distributions. Always verify with a qualified tax professional.
🔧 Troubleshooting
My results look unexpected — what should I check?
Are you using a rule based method?
Did you run the Explorer in a duplicate scenario (not your baseline)?
Did you enable tax-deferred funding for tax expenses?
Did you protect taxable / after-tax balances before running
Do you have One-Time Expenses or Transfers? The Explorer avoids suggesting Roth conversions that would leave a specific account short of funds needed to cover them. Enter your One-Time Expenses with withdrawal order as the funding source rather than a specific account or move them entirely to your budgeter to keep conversions on track.
The Explorer won't suggest Roth conversions that would drain your after-tax savings below the protected amount in your plan. If you're seeing limited suggestions, your after-tax funds may be running low — check your savings balance to confirm.
🙋 Getting Help
Where can I get personalized help with my Roth conversion plan?
AI Planner Assistant — available inside the Boldin planner for in-plan guidance
Planner Chat — submit a support request or speak with an agent
Email: [email protected]
1:1 Coach Review — schedule a personal plan review with a Boldin coach
Office Hours with Boldin Advisors — live sessions with Boldin's advisory team, open to all users; pre-submit your questions after registering
Office Hours with Boldin Advisors** — live sessions with Boldin's advisory team, open to all users; pre-submit your questions after registering
Note: Boldin provides educational projections. For questions about your specific plan, paying taxes on Roth conversions, qualified distributions, early withdrawal penalties, and the 5-year rule, please consult a qualified tax or financial professional.